Reviving Lipton's legacy

Imagination, Albert Einstein once said, is intelligence at play. This thought comes to mind as you make your way up the winding road that leads up to the Lipton seat, wondering about the man who made tea a near synonym to his name. Thomas Lipton.

The colonial entrepreneur, who marketed his tea in brightly coloured packages and left behind a legacy that continues even today because of his ability to innovate.

Sir Thomas Lipton came to Ceylon in 1890. Visiting the plantation areas he saw the potential Ceylon had to grow tea. He promoted the growing and processing of tea in a different way. And the fact the tea grown in Ceylon at that time had a naturally better taste and aroma was an added fillip. And the rest, as they say, is truly history. Lipton became a household name, sustaining its place even in the 21st century.

The Lipton legacy in Sri Lanka however faced some huge boulders when the tea estates were nationalised in 1971, bringing all large plantation holdings under government control. This effectively ended the Lipton tea plantation management, though the company continued to pack the brand by purchasing tea at auctions, both in Sri Lanka and globally. The history of the Lipton estate dates back to 1890 when Sir Thomas Lipton bought the property during his initial visit to Ceylon. He started his own venture in processing tea and sending it for packing and distribution to the United Kingdom. He made a life for himself in Sri Lanka but continued to travel extensively because he had a large business to look after.

Historical building

The Lipton bungalow built in the 1890s is a historical building. At 125 years it still stands strong with no structural changes made to alter its shape or size. The thick walls and high ceilings appear majestic, reminding one of the times that were, as does the beautiful garden that surrounds the bungalow, and of course the scenery.

Though the Lipton bungalow stands strong and unchanged, the lifestyle of the plantation workers have changed tremendously over the years. In the past it was almost a form of servitude, but now things have changed for the better, with plantation unions have a strong say in worker welfare and wages. The living conditions of the estate workers have improved, with many houses boasting electricity and televisions, and many householders owning motorcycles and three-wheelers.

The unions are very strong now, but on the downside, productivity has dropped compared to what it was in the days of Lipton,

Now however, the colonial legacy of Sir Thomas Lipton is being revived with Unilever Sri Lanka announcing the re-launch of the company's flagship tea brand - Lipton Ceylonta. Over the years, Lipton Ceylonta has sourced their tea produce from the finest gardens of Sri Lanka and in doing so, aptly reiterated the brand's refreshing and contemporary personality. This re-launch magnifies the brand's conviction to deliver premium quality and re-enforces the brand's undying commitment to brighten the day with a cup of Lipton Ceylonta.

Evolutionary journey

Commenting on the re-launch, Country Marketing Director, Unilever Sri Lanka, Siddharth Banerjee said, "Tea continues to carry a heritage and success story behind it's infusion that holds a very intricate place in the minds of Sri Lankans all over the world today. What makes the Lipton brand reign supreme in this evolutionary journey of tea in Sri Lanka was Sir Thomas Lipton's endless devotion to revolutionize the Sri Lankan tea industry. As such, Lipton is credited for being the first branded tea in Sri Lanka to market the premium quality of Ceylon tea and deliver the experience of its matchless taste to the world.

It is for this reason that Lipton is feted as the World's No.1 tea enjoyed by millions across the world every day."

Head of Tea Division, Unilever Sri Lanka, Avindra De Silva said, "Tea used in Lipton tea bags comes 100% from RA certified plantations (Rainforest Alliance) and amplifies that Lipton is not just a tasty cup of tea, but a responsible cup of quality blended tea. Not only does it reiterate the brand's commitment towards providing a premium quality experience but also echoes the brand's promise to stay true to the brightness and refreshingly modern taste that is Lipton Ceylonta."

Lipton, the first branded tea, was instrumental in inculcating the tea drinking culture and set a benchmark of refreshing and premium quality of the finest produce. With brightly-coloured, eye-catching packets, Lipton has been successful in making Ceylon tea renowned in the world and in exporting the Lipton experience to all corners of the world.